Ottawa Valley Community Foundation grants over $94,000 to local organizations through their 2025 Annual Grants

Matt Bradley, chairman of the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation board addresses those in attendance at the group's AGM held earlier this summer, at which over $94,000 was dispensed to numerous community organizations, clubs, and individuals. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News

The Ottawa Valley Community Foundation recently announced the distribution of more than $94,300 in funding to 28 community service organizations, clubs, and individuals across the region through its annual grants program.

This year’s contributions were awarded through the Foundation’s General Fund, Bereavement Fund, and the newly established Sport 4 All Fund, which grew out of a $375,000 surplus from the 2023 Ontario Winter Games held in Renfrew County. Those surplus funds were invested with the Foundation to ensure lasting support for local sport initiatives.

“In 2024, we were very excited to be able to contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our community,” said Matt Bradley, chairman of the Foundation’s board. “We were very pleased with the results of our annual granting process this year.”

A year of growth

The announcement comes on the heels of a successful year for the Foundation. In 2024, the organization rebranded from the Pembroke-Petawawa District Community Foundation to the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation, reflecting its commitment to serving municipalities throughout the Valley. Its investment portfolio also surpassed the $1 million mark, creating a strong base of financial support for years to come.

The Foundation supported a number of major fundraising efforts last year, including the Jason Blaine Charitable Concert, which crossed the $1 million raised milestone in 2024, as well as the Krista Johnson Memorial Run and the 100 Women campaign. Together, those events raised more than $210,000 for local charities. The Foundation also partnered with the Friends of the Regional Pool Committee to support efforts to rebuild the outer structure of Pembroke’s Kinsmen Pool.

Funding highlights

Through the General Fund, several organizations received support, including:

• First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre – $5,000
• St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation – $5,000
• Petawawa Heritage Society – $4,450
• Carefor Health & Community Services – $1,700
• The Grind Pembroke – $3,850

Also receiving funds were Bernadette McCann House that received $4,000 which will be used to directly assist clients; Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley that received $4,000 for its Outcome Fund; and Carefor Pembroke that received $2,000 which will go towards supporting seniors.

The Bereavement Fund supported:

• St. Francis Xavier Cemetery – $750
• Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care – $750
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The Ottawa Valley Community Foundation (OVCF) recently presented funding to several local organizations. Taking part in this donation photo are, from left, Nancy McCluskey, OVCF board member, Donalee Loback, First Step Options executive director, Sharon Rideough, Petawawa Heritage Village, Cheryl Pichette, administrator St.Francis Xavier Parish cemetery, Wendy Knechtel, fundraising manager Marianhill, Lisa Hubers, Madawaska Valley Hospice, Erin Gienow, St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, Shelley Murphy, OVCF board member, and Kim Chenard, OVCF board member. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News

The new Sport 4 All Fund provided significant assistance to young athletes and sports organizations. Thirteen individual youth, ranging from competitive swimmers to budding hockey players, each received grants of up to $1,500. 

Youth Sport Grants were awarded to:

• Peregrine Balinski – $599
• Gabriel Broome-Duclos – $165
• Annabell Voisin – $1,500
• Jake Broome-Armit – $105
• Briar Semenuk – $1,500
• Jeremiah Kauffeldt-Supersad – $1,500
• Elise Bostock – $1,345
• Joshua ‘Kieran’ Merrick – $1,500
• Elizabeth Johnson – $1,500
• Kyrie Chamberlain – $1,500
• Lawson Harrington – $1,500
• Logan Scrimshaw – $1,417
• Lucy Peplinski – $1,500

Local clubs and facilities also benefited, with funding directed to projects such as:

• Ave Domina Angelorum Homeschool Co-op – $4,963
• Arnprior Curling Club – $10,000
• Renfrew Curling Rink – $7,920
• Douglas/Admaston Township – $10,000
• Nick Smith Centre – $10,000
• Township of McNab/Braeside – $5,000
• Petawawa Predators Swim Club – $5,000
• Crossroads Community Club – $4,294

Through its new Sport 4 All Fund, the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation assisted 13 young athletes and eight sports organizations and municipalities. Taking part in the donation, from left, Tiffany Fortier, Joseph Fortier, and Evolette Fortier (front) of the Petawawa Predators Swim Club, Elizabeth Johnson, Logan Scrimshaw, Joshua Kieran Merrick, Jeremiah Kauffeldt-Supersad, Shawn McFarland, Douglas recreation, Lucy Peplinski, Lawson Harrington, Alastair Baird, Briar Semenuk, Shannon Fraser, Arnprior Mayor Lisa McGee, and Arnprior Reeve Dan Lynch. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News